Getting that Perfect Green Lawn Part 5
May 8, 2010
Starting your lawn from Sod
If your home was recently built or you have large areas that are more dirt than grass, you may prefer to use sod. Sod is normally used by home builders since you have instant grass, however, if the sod is not cared for properly the grass will die. Sod is also used in shady areas that may have a hard time growing. If you are considering sod, it is more expensive than seed, so be prepared to spend quite a bit more money. In most cases, sod does not need much care and it normally establishes quickly, if all is done correctly. If you do wish to use sod, Bluegrass is the best as it weaves a close knit turf fast.
Before you purchase sod, make sure it is well rooted. The rolls of sod should be evenly green and damp. If the sod is a bit yellow, walk away. Sod needs to be installed as soon as you arrive home. Sod will die if you wait and in the majority of cases will not establish well. If you have to wait to install, keep the sod in a cool shaded area and water the sod if it begins to dry out.
With sod, you will still need to perform the same steps as planting seed including testing for pH levels, tilling, and adding fertilizer. After you have completed these steps, you can now lay the sod. You should water the sod just as if you would the seeds for several weeks. The sections of soil will weave together and become one solid piece.
You will need to keep the soil moist no matter what time of year for several weeks. Sod can be installed in spring, summer, or fall and do very well.
Some types of grass are not sold as rolls sod but as plugs including Bermuda grass, Zoysia, and St. Augustine. These types of grasses need to be planted in early spring. The plugs should be placed twelve inches apart. You will need to keep the plugs moist until you are ready to plant.
Plugs normally come in small blocks that are two inches by two to three inches thick. The plugs are sold in trays that usually hold annual flowers. If you are using plugs, you will need to dig a hole that is just a tad larger than the plug about one foot apart. After you have the holes done and the soil is ready, place the plugs in hole. Now water.
Good luck on having the greenest and prettiest lawn in your neighborhood.
One Comment to Getting that Perfect Green Lawn Part 5
Comments
I’m looking forward to having the prettiest lawn in the neighbourhood! I want to restart my lawn as it got very damaged last year and I’ve had to pull it up so this page will be really useful to me, thanks!
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